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Written by Colter Bloxom, LPC
Colter is a licensed psychotherapist and the owner and founder of Thrive Therapy. He specializes in the treatment of anxiety, OCD, anxiety, identity issues, and more.

Living with social anxiety can sometimes feel like an insurmountable challenge, especially when it comes to work. It's more than just feeling a little nervous — it's a persistent fear of social situations that can make even everyday interactions seem overwhelming. But you are not alone, and there is hope. Many people who struggle with social anxiety lead successful, fulfilling careers — and with the right treatment, you can too.

If social anxiety is holding you back from pursuing the career you want, know that it doesn't have to be a permanent roadblock. Treatment can help you manage your symptoms and build the confidence you need to thrive in your professional life. 

In this article, we’re digging into social anxiety and work, including how you can navigate the workplace with social anxiety and find a path that suits you.

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Is it possible to get a job with social anxiety?

First of all, I think it’s important to make it clear that, yes – many people with social anxiety disorder can and do lead successful, fulfilling, and meaningful professional lives. 

Not only are there many jobs that don’t require you to constantly be around people, but your symptoms can also be treated. While this condition can’t be completely cured, you can learn to manage symptoms of anxiety so that they no longer hold you back from living the life you want to live.

With that being said, social anxiety – especially when it's severe – can be very challenging to live with, especially when it’s left untreated. You might find yourself needing to take a break from working while you get symptoms under control, and that’s valid, too.

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Is social anxiety a disability for work?

If your symptoms are serious enough to meet the diagnostic criteria for social anxiety disorder, then you could be eligible for disability protections and benefits through the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). But keep in mind that getting financial support for a disability is more complicated than having a disability.

Our recent blog, Is Depression a Disability? may help answer some questions about how to get disability for common mental health concerns.

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Best jobs for people with social anxiety

If you live with social anxiety symptoms, then there may be some jobs that are more triggering for you, especially while you’re still in the process of getting treatment. It’s important to note, however, that the most effective way to reduce social anxiety is through exposure therapy, or gradually exposing yourself to the situations that you fear (such as public speaking). 

That means that you can’t avoid your triggers forever, and that doing so – and revolving your life and career around avoiding what you’re afraid of – may make things worse, not better. Also, there may not be any job that allows you to avoid having to face any triggers whatsoever. It’s essential to continue practicing how to challenge your social anxiety, manage your symptoms, and live your life.

At the same time, especially in the early stages of treatment, it may be too overwhelming to be in a work situation that constantly triggers your symptoms and fears. To help, I’ve compiled a list of the best jobs for someone with social anxiety so that you can meet yourself where you’re at during your job search process.

Keep in mind that this list simply contains some ideas of jobs that you may enjoy if you live with social anxiety – it is by no means an exhaustive list, as you can thrive in any field (especially with the right treatment)! In addition, you’d be hard-pressed to find a job that allows you to avoid social contact altogether. At some point, you will need to face your fears.

The ideal job role for social anxiety isn't necessarily one that allows you to avoid human interaction -- it's a role that challenges and fulfills you, and provides you with the flexibility and compassion needed to get treatment.

Landscaper 

Being a landscaper, gardener, arborist, or any other profession that works with nature can be a great job for people who live with social anxiety. You’ll work mostly with plants, which can be less triggering than jobs that interface with people. In addition, research has found that spending time outside in nature can have a calming effect on anxiety.

Vet tech/animal care

Many people with social anxiety may prefer working with animals. Being a vet tech or working in other areas of animal care (like working at an animal rescue or as a groomer) could be a good job for you if you live with this disorder; you might find these jobs to be less triggering than working with people.

Writer or graphic designer

Many writers and designers spend a big portion of their working hours alone. People in these professions also often work independently, which may prevent you from having to worry about office politics and large company-wide gatherings. Self-employment can also provide the flexibility needed to take time for treatment.

Accountant

Like writing, accounting is another job that can be done largely alone – often from the comfort of your own home. 

Tradesperson

Many jobs in the trades, like carpentry or welding, can be done without needing to work with large teams. Gaining mastery over a trade can also improve your self-esteem and help you feel more confident to tackle social anxiety triggers.

Anxiety therapist

When you live with social anxiety, working as a counselor or therapist may sound counterintuitive. But some of the best therapists out there are people who’ve experienced hardships themselves. Once you overcome the worst of social anxiety, you’ll be in a better position than most to be able to understand what it feels like to live with this condition. This empathy and compassion can help you be a great therapist.

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How to work while having social anxiety

Although these are some ideas of jobs that could work well for you, you don’t need to work in these fields to be successful. People with social anxiety thrive in all different careers, and there are healthy ways to manage your symptoms.

Here are some tips.

Keep practicing

Again: avoidance makes social anxiety worse. The more you avoid having to interact with other people, the more you get locked into a self-perpetuating loop of social anxiety. You don’t expose yourself to social situations, so you never get the chance to learn that you are capable of dealing with them. You also don’t get any opportunities to practice your social skills.

So, as much as you can, expose yourself to situations at work at work that trigger social anxiety. For example, you might sign up to work on projects with new people or attend a work-sponsored happy hour. A social anxiety therapist can also help you be strategic with these exposures and ensure that you don’t challenge yourself too much too quickly.

Watch for safety behaviors

Safety behaviors are things we do to avoid the anxiety of a social interaction, even if we’re not avoiding the interaction altogether. This could be things like getting drunk or high to cope with work parties, staying in your office so you don’t need to socialize, and more.

The problem is that safety behaviors can often make social anxiety worse, because at their root they’re a form of avoidance. Try to notice your own safety behaviors, and stay away from overrelying on them.

Rehearse (within reason)

People with social anxiety often find that rehearsing social interactions ahead of time helps them feel more confident. For example, you might ask a close friend to do a mock job interview, practice giving an important presentation, or practice social skills that you’re likely to use in the office.

While rehearsing can help sometimes, keep in mind that overdoing it can become a safety behavior – which can make social anxiety worse. In addition, over-relying on rehearsal for social situations may not allow you to be flexible and present during the conversation itself. So rehearse, but within reason – and don’t use these rehearsals as a way to try to avoid feeling distress.

Get treatment

Lastly, the #1 best way to succeed at work is to treat social anxiety. The right treatment can help you learn how to face your fears and limit the effects that this condition has on your life. You might not “get over” social anxiety completely, but it is 100% possible to manage your symptoms to the point where you’re no longer revolving your life around avoiding triggers.

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Social anxiety treatment in Phoenix, AZ

At Thrive Therapy, we’re committed to helping you break the shackles of social anxiety and live the life you want to be living. Our qualified social anxiety therapists can help you learn more about why social anxiety happens, challenge yourself to take on and overcome your fears, and become more comfortable in social scenarios.

If your symptoms of social anxiety have become severe, our mental health IOP in Phoenix, AZ may be the best treatment option for you. Unlike other IOPs, which often revolve around substance use, our IOP is tailored to help people who live with mental health struggles like depression, anxiety, trauma, and OCD.

Are you ready to reduce anxiety and live the life you want? Get in touch with us today to start your treatment journey.